Film Tootsie: Gender Equality And Identity

Ning Ding

Cultural Anthropology

Ethnographic Assignment: Tootsie

When I think about technological advances, I have come to realize that we have progressed at such a rate that we often lose track of all the intermediate milestones, but when I think about progress related to gender equality and identity, we really haven’t made much gains in the past few decades. As I explore these disparities throughout the film Tootsie, it becomes apparent that many of the inequalities still persist today. Transgenderism, homophobia, gender roles, and ideal beauty remain subjects of fierce debate. Often, it is difficult to discuss these topics objectively, as we are all enculturated in the same schema. With an anthropological approach on the other hand,

This was the norm for the Navajos because they all grew up worshiping dual gendered gods. While in our society, we reinforce masculine roles onto boys and feminine roles onto girls, and anyone who does not align properly are usually ostracized. This makes it very difficult for gay and transgendered individuals to come out. Interestingly enough, Michael’s roommate Jeff asks him if the cross dressing was infact an identity crisis, to which Michael replied no, and that it was merely a way to counter his unemployment streak. I think Jeff’s association of cross dressing with identity crises stems from the fact that Homosexuality was still classified as a mental disorder quite recently. This type of classifications makes it easy to associate anything other than heterosexual behavior as a disorder. Going back to the berdache article, I can imagine how the frontiersmen perceived the Navajo berdaches. The term berdache itself is considered an etic term, as it was coined through western lense. Berdache was French term given to the younger male of a homosexual relationship. Thus, the frontiersmen had probably automatically associated the berdaches with degeneracy, despite the fact that the berdaches played an integral role in tribal life. Jeff was a good friend in the sense that he did

He belittles Dorothy constantly and sweet talks women who he thinks fits his criteria of being a woman. His initial attempt to recruit a woman for the administrator role already proved that he finds powerful women ugly. Other female members of crew had probably sensed the kind of effects his misguided outlook might have on the viewers, but failed to intervene due to the fact that he was a well known, and highly paid director. I think in general, the film normalized the idea that women should suffer quietly. Throughout the film, Julie seems to be struggling with the relationship with Ron, as I am sure she is aware of his infidelity, but fail to address it. Julie’s inability to address the issue likely stems from the the idea that it was a “man’s world”, and that women are meant to remain submissive, or they might not be considered a woman at all. Unfortunately, enduring in silence will not bring about any change. When Dorothy confronted Ron about his infidelity, Ron replied very matter of factly that he had never intended to establish exclusivity with Julie. It was merely a front to gain her trust, and that he did not want to hurt her feelings at this point. In reality, he was just a narcissist that did whatever it takes to get his way, and that the lying was merely a means to an end. He had a total disregard for the damages left in his wake. Ron was only able to build up to the person he was because no one ever called him out on